A well-crafted nail tech resume is essential for standing out in the competitive beauty industry.

Whether you're just starting out or looking to advance your career, showcasing your skills and experience on your resume is key.

This guide will provide you with valuable nail technician resume examples and tips to help you build a standout document that attracts potential employers.

Nail tech resume examples

Creative nail technician resume sample

Creative nail tech resume template

Creative Nail Technician Resume
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Resume for creative nail tech | Plain text

Margaret Silver

Los Angeles, CA | (555) 123-4567 | margaretsilver@email.com | linkedin.com/in/margaretsilver

Summary

Creative and detail-oriented Nail Technician with over 9 years of experience specializing in artistic nail designs, intricate nail art, and client-focused service. Expertise in transforming nails into unique works of art using cutting-edge techniques and staying ahead of beauty trends. Adept at creating a welcoming environment and building lasting client relationships.

Experience

Nail Art Specialist

Polished Perfection Studio – Los Angeles, CA

June 2019 – Present

  • Design customized nail art, including 3D designs, intricate freehand art, and seasonal nail themes.
  • Manage up to 10 clients per day while ensuring exceptional quality, personalized service, and on-time scheduling.
  • Develop new techniques for acrylic nail enhancements, contributing to a 20% increase in client satisfaction.
  • Train junior nail techs in advanced art techniques, customer service practices, and salon equipment usage.
  • Collaborate with the marketing team to launch promotional campaigns, boosting salon appointments by 15%.

Senior Nail Technician

Luxury Nails & Spa – Los Angeles, CA

August 2016 – May 2019

  • Provided high-end manicure and pedicure services with a focus on innovative design, consistently receiving positive client feedback.
  • Conducted nail consultations to offer clients tailored art designs based on their preferences and lifestyle.
  • Collaborated with the marketing team to promote seasonal nail trends on social media, increasing salon visibility and engagement.
  • Performed regular sanitation checks, ensuring the salon met health and safety standards for all clients.

Education

Nail Technician Certification

LA Beauty School – Los Angeles, CA

Graduated: 2016

Skills

  • Advanced Nail Art
  • Acrylic & Gel Nail Extensions
  • 3D Nail Designs
  • Nail Health & Hygiene
  • Client Consultation
  • Social Media Marketing for Beauty
  • Excellent Communication

Awards and Recognition

Best Nail Art Design

California Nail Art Expo – Los Angeles, CA

October 2024

  • Awarded 1st place for best creative nail art design in the competition, showcasing unique 3D nail art techniques.
  • Featured in the event's promotional material and social media pages, gaining exposure to a broader clientele.

Strong sides of this nail tech resume example:

  • Clear and concise opening statement that highlights key skills and experience in nail art and customer service.
  • Strong emphasis on measurable achievements, such as increasing client satisfaction and boosting salon appointments.
  • Includes a dedicated "Awards" section that showcases accolades and industry recognition.
How to properly format a resume for a nail technician?
  • Select a clean font like Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman. A size of 10-12 points is ideal for the body text, and slightly larger (14-16) for headings.
  • Ideally, your resume length should be one page, especially if you're a relatively new nail tech. If you have extensive experience, it's acceptable to stretch to two pages, but no more.
  • Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides. This will give a professional and balanced look.
  • Use single spacing within each section and add a extra between each block. For example, leave a blank line between your contact information, summary, and other parts.
  • When listing skills, experiences, and achievements, employ bullet points to break them up. This makes it easier for the employer to skim and find key information.
  • Align text to the left for a uniform look. Make sure all headings and entries are aligned properly.
  • Stick to a simple color scheme like black, white, or gray. While it’s tempting to add graphics to make your document stand out, they can be distracting.

One of the easiest ways to avoid formatting issues and the headache of creating an application from scratch is to try free resume AI builder.

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Gel nail tech resume example

Sample gel nail technician resume

Sarah Johnson

San Francisco, CA | (555) 987-6543 | sarahjohnson@email.com | linkedin.com/in/sarahjohnson

Summary

Dedicated and skilled Gel Nail Technician with 5 years of experience working in high-end salons. Specializing in gel nail applications, designs, and maintenance. Passionate about creating long-lasting, flawless nails while providing a relaxing and personalized experience for every client.

Experience

Gel Nail Specialist

The Nail Lounge – San Francisco, CA

March 2021 – Present

  • Expertly apply gel polish and create custom gel designs, ensuring long-lasting wear and durability.
  • Train new hires in gel application techniques and salon protocols, ensuring high-quality service standards.
  • Manage a full client schedule, offering excellent customer service and upholding high sanitation standards.
  • Perform routine gel nail maintenance, including fill-ins, repairs, and removal of previous designs.
  • Provide aftercare advice to clients to maintain the longevity of gel nails.

Nail Technician

Golden Gate Nails – San Francisco, CA

July 2019 – February 2021

  • Provided standard manicure and pedicure services, focusing on gel nail application for both aesthetic and long-lasting results.
  • Conducted nail care consultations, recommending personalized gel nail treatments for each client.
  • Assisted in inventory management, ordering gel products and tools for the salon.
  • Managed client records to track preferences and ensure repeat customers had a tailored experience.

Education

Nail Technician Diploma

San Francisco Cosmetology Academy – San Francisco, CA

Graduated: 2019

Skills

  • Gel Nail Application
  • Nail Polish & Gel Art
  • Manicure & Pedicure Services
  • Nail Health & Care
  • Sanitation & Hygiene Standards
  • Time Management
  • Customer Service

Certifications

Certified Gel Nail Technician

California State Nail Certification – San Francisco, CA

Issued: 2020

  • Completed an advanced certification in gel nail application and nail health, ensuring top-tier service.

Here are a few reasons why this example of a nail tech resume will impress recruiters:

  • Focuses on specialized skills in gel nail applications and certifications, demonstrating technical expertise.
  • Well-organized experience that clearly highlights contributions to training, customer service, and maintaining high standards.
  • Includes a "Certifications" section, showing commitment to professional development and a specialized skill set.
Should I choose a nail tech resume objective or summary?

A resume summary is a brief overview of your skills and career highlights.

When to use:

Nail tech resume summary sample:

Experienced technician with 5+ years in providing high-quality manicures, pedicures, and nail art services. Skilled in creating customized nail designs and providing excellent customer service. Certified in advanced nail care techniques.

A resume objective is more focused on your career goals and intentions.

When to use:

  • You’re new to the field and want to explain your motivation.
  • You’re changing industries or seeking a specific position.

Nail tech resume objective example:

Motivated and detail-oriented aspiring nail technician seeking to leverage my passion for care and artistic design in a professional salon environment. Eager to contribute to a team and build strong client relationships.

How to showcase your nail tech resume skills?

The skills section allows potential employers to quickly assess whether you have the abilities required for the job.

  • Hard skills are the technical, teachable knowledge that are often acquired through training or certifications.
  • Soft skills are personal attributes that help you interact effectively with others. These are typically learned through experience and practice in your everyday life.

Nail tech hard skills examples:

  • Nail art techniques
  • Manicures and pedicures
  • Gel and acrylic nail applications
  • Nail extensions
  • Nail care and sanitation
  • Client consultation
  • Nail health and safety protocols
  • Removal of artificial nails
  • Nail polish and gel application
  • Nail design trends

Soft skills for nail tech samples:

  • Customer service
  • Communication
  • Attention to detail
  • Time management
  • Problem-solving
  • Teamwork
  • Patience
  • Flexibility
  • Creativity
  • Organization

Beginner nail tech resume template

Nail technician resume with no experience

Nail Technician Resume
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Resume for nail technician | Text version

Janet Carter

Chicago, IL | (555) 321-7890 | janetcarter@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janetcarter

Objective

Motivated and passionate entry-level Nail Technician seeking to leverage training and fresh skills to provide top-tier nail care and customer service. Eager to join a dynamic salon team and further develop expertise in manicure, pedicure, and nail design services.

Experience

Nail Technician Assistant

Bella Nails & Spa – Chicago, IL

January 2025 – Present

  • Assisted experienced nail techs with manicure and pedicure services, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
  • Maintained cleanliness and organization in the salon, following strict sanitation protocols and ensuring a welcoming environment.
  • Gained hands-on experience in applying nail polish, gels, and acrylic nails under supervision.
  • Engaged with clients to provide friendly, welcoming service and assist with product recommendations.
  • Supported inventory management and restocked supplies to ensure smooth operations.

Education

Nail Technician Certification

Chicago Beauty Academy – Chicago, IL

Graduated: 2025

Skills

  • Manicure & Pedicure
  • Basic Nail Art Techniques
  • Gel & Acrylic Nail Application (Introductory Level)
  • Sanitation & Cleanliness Protocols
  • Client Interaction & Service
  • Time Management
  • Product Knowledge

Professional Development

Nail Design Workshop

Chicago Nail Design Academy – Chicago, IL

May 2025

  • Attended a hands-on workshop focused on advanced nail art techniques, including intricate designs and client consultations.
  • Gained knowledge in trending nail art styles and personalized nail care advice.

This sample nail tech resume is effective for several reasons:

  • Objective statement is tailored to the position and emphasizes enthusiasm for professional growth.
  • Experience section focuses on relevant internship duties, highlighting hands-on learning and growth in a real-world setting.
  • Professional development shows proactive efforts to gain additional knowledge and improve skillset beyond formal education.
What academic credentials should I add to my nail technician resume?

Your education section is a key part of your application, as it demonstrates the formal training you have in the nail tech field.

  • Beauty school: Add the name of the institution, the program you completed, and the dates attended.
  • Certification(s): If you have additional certifications such as in gel or acrylic nails, mention them here.
  • Special training: Highlight any specialized courses you’ve taken that add value to your skill set.
How to organize the experience section in a nail tech resume?
  • List all previous roles where you’ve worked as a nail tech, including the tasks you performed and the skills you used.
  • Break your responsibilities and achievements into concise bullet points for easy readability.
  • If you received positive client feedback or were recognized for your work, make sure to mention it.
  • Start each bullet with a strong action verb like "provided," "designed," or "managed."

Conclusion

A nail technician resume is your opportunity to showcase your talent and experience in the beauty industry.

By using the right format and highlighting relevant skills, you can create a document that makes a lasting impression.

Remember, with the right nail tech resume examples and careful attention to detail, you'll be one step closer to landing your dream job.

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